BMX vs Mountain Bike vs Jump Bike
If you're a bit overwhelmed by the variety available,Bikesdon't worry! AtSkateHut, we have the know-how to assist you in making a choice and finding the perfect one for you. Whether you want extreme manoeuvrability or to conquer various terrains, let's dive in by exploring your options!
We'll explore the differences among these three bikes, but first, let's get familiar with each type before we delve into the comparisons below:
- The Frame
- The Wheels
- The Gears
- The Breaks
- Quick Reference Guide
What is a BMX Bike?
A BMX Bikeis an off-road bicycle mainly used for stunts, tricks, and racing. There are numerous subcategories and models of BMX Bikes like Dirt, Flatland, Park, Race, and Street, each designed uniquely to match the riding style. BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross.
What is a Mountain Bike?
A Mountain Bikeis a bicycle crafted primarily for off-road use over rough terrains such as mountainsides, forests, and dirt paths. Most Mountain Bikes are constructed with durability as a priority and usually feature a gear system. You might have also come across the terms "all terrain bicycle", "all terrain bike", or the acronym "ATB". These all refer to mountain bikes!
What is a Jump Bike?
A middle ground between the popular BMX and the adaptable mountain bike, aJump Bikehas evolved as an intermediary between the two. Primarily used for stunts, jump bikes are often employed for dirt jumping and urban stunt riding.
The Frame
The different functionalities offered by BMX, Mountain, and Jump bikes influence their frame construction.
BMX Bike Frame
A BMX Bike Frame, logically, is going to endure significant impacts. Whether it's navigating halfpipes, bunny hopping, or rail grinding, a BMX frame must withstand intense movement. This is why BMX frames are generally compact to accommodate this.
Mountain Bike Frame
A mountain bike frame, much like a BMX, needs to be strong, but they often experience less aggressive riding, while maintaining durability. The frame is typically designed with shock absorption in mind, offering more versatility and size options, allowing you to choose a bike that fits your height better.
Jump Bike Frame
With jump bike frames, there is a trend similar to BMX riders, where there's almost a "one size fits all" approach. If brands offer different sizes, they usually follow the classic: small, medium, and large. Most people opt for smaller frames as they are lighter and easier to manipulate for tricks. These frames combine the simplicity of smaller sizes with the robustness and durability of mountain bikes.
The Wheels
BMX Wheels
In terms of size, theBMX Wheelis generally between 20 and 24 inches. The tyres are specifically designed to handle force, absorbing shocks and impacts typical of stunts and tricks. They also focus on grip to reduce slipping on smooth surfaces.
Mountain Bike Wheels
To navigate the rocky and sometimes unpredictable trails, mountain bike wheels must be ready for anything. This is why they are usually larger, ranging from 27 to 29 inches with deep grooves and tread, ensuring grip is a primary feature of these tyres!
Jump Bike Wheels
A jump bike typically favours smaller wheels, larger than a BMX but smaller than mountain bikes, generally around 24 to 26 inches (right in the middle!). They tend to be slick to enhance grip, while also reducing rolling resistance on concrete and dirt.
Gears
BMX gears
BMX bikes often lack gears and are typically "single speed". Therefore, it's crucial that the rest of the bike's configuration suits your needs as a BMX rider.
Mountain Bike Gears
One of the best things about mountain bikes is their adaptability, and their gears certainly contribute to this. If you're tackling a steep slope, switching gears can help you find a steady pace that suits you. Most modern mountain bikes usually feature a 12-gear cassette, although this can vary by brand.
Jump Bikes Gears
Jump bikes generally align with BMX Bikes, having only a single speed to keep them less cumbersome and more suited to a Jump Bike's purpose of performing tricks.
Brakes
BMX Brakes
BMX bikes generally only have a rear brake. This makes sense considering the tricks and stunts they undergo, especially those involving handlebar spins! Naturally, having front brakes would make these tricks incompatible with the bike.
Mountain Bike Brakes
In mountain biking, the ability to count on your brakes is crucial! Mountain bikes are built to endure hard braking, with disc brakes commonly used due to their strength and reliability in harsh weather conditions.
Jump Bike Breaks
Much like BMX brakes, jump bikes typically feature a rear brake, enabling complete handlebar movement. Occasionally, they use small disc brakes similar to those found on mountain bikes. Since these bikes are not generally designed for rapid stopping, the brakes are not as strong as those on mountain bikes.
Browse our full selection of adult and Kids Bikes.